chandelier

American  

[shan-dl-eer] / ˌʃæn dlˈɪər /

noun

1. a decorative, sometimes ornate, light fixture suspended from a ceiling, usually having branched supports for a number of lights.

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chandelier British  

/ ˌʃændɪˈlɪə /

noun

1. an ornamental hanging light with branches and holders for several candles or bulbs

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Other Word Forms

• chandeliered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chandelier

1655–65; < French: literally, something that holds candles; see chandler

Explanation

A chandelier is a fancy light fixture that is often ornate and hanging suspended in the middle of a formal space. Walk into a grand ballroom and see a light fixture adorned with sparkling crystals? That's a chandelier. The word chandelier comes from the French candere meaning "be white, glisten." Look up at a chandelier and you'll see it glistening and casting white reflections on the walls. The French origin of the word might call up images of palaces like Versailles in France, where chandeliers hang in nearly every room.

Example Sentences

Once they step inside, they are met with an elegant foyer that features a chic wooden staircase, high ceilings, and a sparkling chandelier.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Ask people for a recent mahjong cultural reference and chances are they’ll cite 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians,” the blockbuster that shone a Baccarat chandelier on Singapore’s 0.1%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The vibe at Isla, which opened in Washington, D.C., in October, is decidedly unbeachy: The vast space has soaring wood-paneled walls and an enormous chandelier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

It looks like a golden chandelier and contains the coldest place in the universe.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

I reached up for the nearest branch of the magnolia tree above us, and I quietly snapped it in two, leaving a heavy blossom at the end to dangle like a fragrant chandelier.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan